Exploring Nigeria's Constitutions

What was the main purpose of the 1960 Constitution in Nigeria?

• To establish a monarchy in Nigeria.

• To provide a framework for self-governance and independence from colonial rule.

• To promote foreign military presence in Nigeria.

• To create a new colonial administration in Nigeria.

How did the 1963 Constitution differ from the 1960 Constitution?

• The 1963 Constitution established a federal structure and a parliamentary system, differing from the centralized and presidential nature of the 1960 Constitution.

• The 1963 Constitution introduced a monarchy instead of a parliamentary system.

• The 1963 Constitution eliminated all forms of federalism and local governance.

• The 1963 Constitution maintained a centralized government similar to the 1960 Constitution.

What were the key features of the 1979 Constitution?

• The 1979 Constitution did not include any provisions for a legislative body or elections.

• The 1979 Constitution established the Islamic Republic, combining Islamic law with democratic elements, featuring a Supreme Leader, elected president, and parliament.

• The 1979 Constitution was solely based on Western legal principles without any religious influence.

• The 1979 Constitution abolished all forms of government and established a monarchy.

Identify one significant amendment made in the 1979 Constitution.

• 18th Amendment

• 20th Amendment

• 17th Amendment

• 19th Amendment

What impact did the 1960 Constitution have on Nigeria's governance?

• The 1960 Constitution centralized power in the federal government.

• The 1960 Constitution established a monarchy in Nigeria.

• The 1960 Constitution abolished regional governments entirely.

• The 1960 Constitution established a federal parliamentary system, promoting regional autonomy and unity among diverse ethnic groups.

Compare the federal structure of the 1963 and 1979 Constitutions.

• The 1963 Constitution favored a strong central government, while the 1979 Constitution promoted a more balanced federal structure with greater state autonomy.

• The 1963 Constitution and the 1979 Constitution were identical in their approach to federalism.

• Both the 1963 and 1979 Constitutions supported a strong state government with minimal central authority.

• The 1963 Constitution had no federal structure, while the 1979 Constitution established a unitary system.

What was the role of the Prime Minister in the 1960 Constitution?

• The Prime Minister was a ceremonial figure with no real power.

• The Prime Minister acted as the head of the judiciary.

• The Prime Minister was responsible for foreign affairs only.

• The Prime Minister was the head of government and responsible for administration and policy decisions.

How did the 1979 Constitution address human rights?

• The 1979 Constitution ignored human rights completely.

• The 1979 Constitution only addressed economic rights.

• The 1979 Constitution abolished all previous human rights laws.

• The 1979 Constitution addressed human rights by recognizing and guaranteeing fundamental rights and establishing protection mechanisms.

What changes were made to the judiciary in the 1979 Constitution?

• The 1979 Constitution established the Supreme Court, created lower courts, ensured judicial independence, and defined the appointment and tenure of judges.

• The 1979 Constitution abolished the Supreme Court and all lower courts.

• The judiciary was merged with the executive branch in the 1979 Constitution.

• Judges were appointed for life without any defined tenure in the 1979 Constitution.

Describe the electoral process established by the 1979 Constitution.

• Indirect elections for the National Assembly

• A single electoral body for all positions

• No provisions for local government elections

• The electoral process established by the 1979 Constitution includes direct elections for the National Assembly, an electoral college for the President, and provisions for local government elections.